If width is limited, consider a top-loading washing machine, provided there’s room to open the lid. If depth is the issue, compare slim front-loading models, taking the door and connections into account. A standard front-loader needs more space in front, while an integrated model is suitable for a cabinet with a compatible housing and door. In every case, measure the delivery route too, and check the model’s instructions before choosing.
Between two cabinets or in a small bathroom, a top-loader is worth considering if there’s enough clear space above it to open the lid. Que Choisir gives a width of 40 to 46 cm for this format. Measure the depth too, along with the route to the room.
If there’s room for a front-loader width-wise, but it would stick out too far into the room, a slim model could be an option. Check its actual depth, including connections, and allow enough space in front for the door to open.
A front-loader designed to fit under a worktop and an integrated model concealed behind a cabinet door are intended for two different types of installation. Check the instructions against the housing height, door and existing fittings.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Width and loading | Measure the space and the delivery route. For a top-loader, check the model’s width and the clear space above the lid. Que Choisir puts the width of top-loaders at between 40 and 46 cm in general. | I’m short on width, but can load the washing from above without anything getting in the way. |
| Depth and door clearance | Compare the overall depth, the space taken up by the hoses and the clearance needed for the door. Candy lists slim or compact models with depths of 33 to 46 cm; only the individual model’s specifications can confirm whether it will fit where you plan to put it. | A front-loader’s width isn’t a problem, but I want to keep the space in front of the machine clear. |
| Under-worktop or integrated installation | For a front-loader under a worktop, confirm that the manufacturer allows this type of installation and specifies what’s needed. For an integrated model, check the housing diagram, cabinet door and fixings against your existing unit. | I want to put the appliance under the worktop or hide it behind a compatible kitchen door. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with your usual loads, rather than relying on the format alone. ADEME says that 7 kg is enough for most households; check the capacity of each slim or top-loading model individually. | I want to manage my usual laundry without choosing a compact format that doesn’t have enough capacity for my household. |
| Installation | Check the water inlet, waste outlet, power supply and installation instructions. In a bathroom, get the electrical installation checked if you’re unsure about the safety measures or how close the appliance will be to the shower or bath. | Before delivery, I need to know whether the space and connections will actually allow the machine to be installed. |
| Noise and energy use | Once you’ve confirmed the dimensions, compare water and energy consumption, spin performance and noise levels on the energy label, as ADEME recommends. Also check the durability index for the model in question. | If the machine is close to a living area, I want to compare its noise and consumption figures, not just how much space it takes up. |
A machine may fit in the space you measured but still fail to pass through the doorway, leave enough room for the hoses or allow the door to open.
Measure the delivery route and the installation space, then check the clearances required against the model’s installation instructions.
A front-loader with a removable top isn’t necessarily designed to take a decorative cabinet door. An integrated model also needs a compatible housing and fixings.
Ask for the installation diagram and check that the cabinet, door, hinges and any required under-worktop protection are compatible.
Fitting the cabinet door or adapting the unit may require a separate service from the appliance installation.
Being close to water means you need to pay particular attention to the appliance’s position and electrical protection. In its guidance for bathrooms, Promotelec highlights, among other things, earthing and a 30 mA residual-current device.
If you’re unsure about the layout or electrical installation, ask a suitably qualified professional to check it before the machine is installed.
A reduced depth tells you nothing about the capacity or noise level of a particular model.
Once you’ve checked the dimensions, compare each machine’s stated capacity and its noise, spin and energy-use figures.
These ranges give you different formats to compare, but a brand name alone doesn’t guarantee that a model will fit your space.
Worth considering for a front-loader under a worktop or a fully integrated washing machine.
Worth considering if your kitchen has a housing designed for an integrated washing machine.
Worth considering when top-loading could help solve a width constraint.
Worth considering for a slim or compact front-loader when depth is limited.
Worth considering for a top-loader if there’s enough clear space above it.
This top-loading model is worth considering if width is your main constraint. The lid needs to open freely, and you should check the installation dimensions against the space you have.
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Worth considering if top-loading suits your space and a 6 kg capacity is right for your usual laundry loads. The model name indicates 1,400 rpm, a B energy rating, an Inverter motor, Wi-Fi and 17 programmes. Check the instructions to see how much room you’ll need to open the lid and connect the machine.
No. It’s mainly suited to spaces where width is the main constraint. Que Choisir puts the width of top-loaders at between 40 and 46 cm, but you’ll need enough clear space above the machine to open the lid. If depth is the issue and there’s enough width for a front-loader, look at the dimensions of a slim model instead.
Yes, if the manufacturer allows this installation for the model in question and there’s enough room. Bosch, for example, offers front-loaders with removable tops. Check the finished height, whether under-worktop protection is required and how much room the connections need. This type of installation doesn’t make the appliance suitable for fitting behind a cabinet door.
No. Before replacing the appliance, check the housing dimensions and make sure the door and fixings are compatible with the new model, following its instructions. Also confirm who’ll fit the cabinet door if needed.
Check where the machine will be positioned in relation to the shower or bath, and make sure the electrical installation is properly protected. Promotelec’s guidance for bathrooms highlights, among other things, earthing and a 30 mA residual-current device. If you’re unsure about the layout, ask a suitably qualified electrician to assess the space.
No. You’ll also need to allow for the connections, door clearance and delivery route. Then compare the model’s capacity with your usual laundry loads: ‘slim’ doesn’t mean a particular capacity.